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Monet's Palate Cookbook: The Artist & His Kitchen Garden At Giverny
Foreword by Meryl Streep.
For the first time in history, Monet’s Palate The Artist & His Kitchen Garden at Giverny brings Claude Monet's beloved kitchen garden back to life. Written by filmmaker Aileen Bordman and garden writer Derek Fell, the book includes sixty recipes linked to Monet's two-acre kitchen garden near his home at Giverny, France. Included is detailed information about the vegetables he grew, plus photographs and descriptions of the house interiors and gardens capturing Monet's extraordinary lifestyle. Meryl Streep has written the Foreword and the recipes beautifully photographed by Steven Rothfeld. The farm-to-table tradition lived passionately by Claude Monet has been brought into the 21st century which beckons one to take a culinary journey in Monet's footsteps. The backdrop to the renaissance of the garden are chapters that cover Monet’s lifestyle including French tips for entertaining as well as recipes inspired by his cooking journals and places he visited. The recipes were developed using the abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables found in Monet's kitchen garden. Some of Monet's favorites to grow in the kitchen garden included zucchini, cherry tomatoes, radishes, pearl onions, brussel sprouts, asparagus, rosemary and mint. A few of the recipes are of French origin, such as the famous Normandy apple tart. Others are from locations abroad where he traveled in search of motifs to paint, such as the Savoy Hotel, London where Monet acquired their recipe for Yorkshire pudding. Exquisite photography and inspired recipes brings Monet’s kitchen garden back to life. Aileen Bordman is the creator and producer of the acclaimed documentary film titled Monet's A Gastronomic View from the Garden, which has been broadcast nationally through American Public Television to all 350 PBS stations. She has been immersed in the world of Claude Monet since 1980 and has more than 35 years of firsthand experience at Monet's home and gardens. Her knowledge and passion with respect to Claude Monet's lifestyle, cuisine, gardens and art prompted the creation of the Monet's Palate concept. Bordman independently wrote and produced the film Monet's Palate with Meryl Streep, Alice Waters, Daniel Boulud, Michel Richard and Steve Wynn. The film has been screened from Cannes to New York, and was featured during the six-month "Monet's Garden" exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden in New She lives in just outside of New York City in New Jersey. Derek Fell writer and photographer, is the author of two books on Monet, The Magic of Monet's Garden and Secret's of Monet's Garden. He has a strong following as America's most widely published garden writer. His books on gardening, travel and art have been published worldwide and total more than 2.5 million books. He divides his time between Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Sanibel Island, Florida.
For the first time in history, Monet’s Palate The Artist & His Kitchen Garden at Giverny brings Claude Monet's beloved kitchen garden back to life. Written by filmmaker Aileen Bordman and garden writer Derek Fell, the book includes sixty recipes linked to Monet's two-acre kitchen garden near his home at Giverny, France. Included is detailed information about the vegetables he grew, plus photographs and descriptions of the house interiors and gardens capturing Monet's extraordinary lifestyle. Meryl Streep has written the Foreword and the recipes beautifully photographed by Steven Rothfeld. The farm-to-table tradition lived passionately by Claude Monet has been brought into the 21st century which beckons one to take a culinary journey in Monet's footsteps. The backdrop to the renaissance of the garden are chapters that cover Monet’s lifestyle including French tips for entertaining as well as recipes inspired by his cooking journals and places he visited. The recipes were developed using the abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables found in Monet's kitchen garden. Some of Monet's favorites to grow in the kitchen garden included zucchini, cherry tomatoes, radishes, pearl onions, brussel sprouts, asparagus, rosemary and mint. A few of the recipes are of French origin, such as the famous Normandy apple tart. Others are from locations abroad where he traveled in search of motifs to paint, such as the Savoy Hotel, London where Monet acquired their recipe for Yorkshire pudding. Exquisite photography and inspired recipes brings Monet’s kitchen garden back to life. Aileen Bordman is the creator and producer of the acclaimed documentary film titled Monet's A Gastronomic View from the Garden, which has been broadcast nationally through American Public Television to all 350 PBS stations. She has been immersed in the world of Claude Monet since 1980 and has more than 35 years of firsthand experience at Monet's home and gardens. Her knowledge and passion with respect to Claude Monet's lifestyle, cuisine, gardens and art prompted the creation of the Monet's Palate concept. Bordman independently wrote and produced the film Monet's Palate with Meryl Streep, Alice Waters, Daniel Boulud, Michel Richard and Steve Wynn. The film has been screened from Cannes to New York, and was featured during the six-month "Monet's Garden" exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden in New She lives in just outside of New York City in New Jersey. Derek Fell writer and photographer, is the author of two books on Monet, The Magic of Monet's Garden and Secret's of Monet's Garden. He has a strong following as America's most widely published garden writer. His books on gardening, travel and art have been published worldwide and total more than 2.5 million books. He divides his time between Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Sanibel Island, Florida.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2022
I read this book about five years ago before our trip to France, and before visiting Monet’s House and Gardens. Those gardens are incredible, and the photos in this book are lovely also. Since then, I’ve made myself a rule when reviewing cookbooks. I must try out some of the recipes before reviewing them, because in all fairness, how can I review a cookbook otherwise? Hence why I decided to re-read this book, and, of course, to try out a few recipes. Some of the recipes require ingredients that I cannot find. I tried out three of the recipes. I was going to give this book 3 stars, but because most of the recipes that I tried were so good and unique, I’ve chosen to give it 4 stars.
The Roasted Carrot Soup was just okay, not one that I’ll make again. I have better soup recipes in my collection.
Mixed Greens and Roasted Beet Salad with Pecans and Roquefort Dressing – This was good. I’m always looking for delicious salad recipes. The salad that I usually make gets really boring after a while.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Crème Fraiche and Mint – This was fabulous, even though I didn't have the mint. My husband and children all agreed that it was the best fruit salad that they’ve ever had. This recipe is a keeper.
Every recipe has a short description immediately before it, some background details, for example, “Monet enjoyed this dish” – that sort of thing. If you love Monet’s art and enjoy food, you may enjoy this book, but in all honesty, my favorite book for any Monet fan, or for anyone who’s planning on a visit to his home and gardens Giverny, the Monet’s House book is far, far better. That one’s not a cookbook, but it’s an absolute delight.
When visiting Monet’s House, we spent time in the gift shop, which we always enjoy doing wherever we go. This book was available there, and lots of people were buying it, but the one that I prefer, “Monet’s House,” was nowhere to be found. It may be out of print. I got my copy used on amazon.
My favorite quote:
“Towards the end of his life, Monet declared, ‘Flowers; I must have flowers, always.’ He wanted flowers in every room of his house, especially to decorate the dining room table.”
My 2017 Review
The photos of Monet’s kitchen gardens are absolutely lovely. Every recipe has a short description immediately before it, some background details, for example, “Monet enjoyed this dish” – that sort of thing. Monet and his wife loved the gourmet life and entertaining. The latter is not my strongest point by any means and I need to work on that. I’m hoping that books like this may inspire me to improve in that area. If you love Monet’s art and enjoy food, you may enjoy this book. As far as Monet books go, I prefer “Monet’s House” over this one.
The kitchen gardens at Giverny:
One of my favorite quotes:
“Towards the end of his life, Monet declared, ‘Flowers; I must have flowers, always.’ He wanted flowers in every room of his house, especially to decorate the dining room table.”
The Roasted Carrot Soup was just okay, not one that I’ll make again. I have better soup recipes in my collection.
Mixed Greens and Roasted Beet Salad with Pecans and Roquefort Dressing – This was good. I’m always looking for delicious salad recipes. The salad that I usually make gets really boring after a while.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Crème Fraiche and Mint – This was fabulous, even though I didn't have the mint. My husband and children all agreed that it was the best fruit salad that they’ve ever had. This recipe is a keeper.
Every recipe has a short description immediately before it, some background details, for example, “Monet enjoyed this dish” – that sort of thing. If you love Monet’s art and enjoy food, you may enjoy this book, but in all honesty, my favorite book for any Monet fan, or for anyone who’s planning on a visit to his home and gardens Giverny, the Monet’s House book is far, far better. That one’s not a cookbook, but it’s an absolute delight.
When visiting Monet’s House, we spent time in the gift shop, which we always enjoy doing wherever we go. This book was available there, and lots of people were buying it, but the one that I prefer, “Monet’s House,” was nowhere to be found. It may be out of print. I got my copy used on amazon.
My favorite quote:
“Towards the end of his life, Monet declared, ‘Flowers; I must have flowers, always.’ He wanted flowers in every room of his house, especially to decorate the dining room table.”
My 2017 Review
The photos of Monet’s kitchen gardens are absolutely lovely. Every recipe has a short description immediately before it, some background details, for example, “Monet enjoyed this dish” – that sort of thing. Monet and his wife loved the gourmet life and entertaining. The latter is not my strongest point by any means and I need to work on that. I’m hoping that books like this may inspire me to improve in that area. If you love Monet’s art and enjoy food, you may enjoy this book. As far as Monet books go, I prefer “Monet’s House” over this one.
The kitchen gardens at Giverny:
One of my favorite quotes:
“Towards the end of his life, Monet declared, ‘Flowers; I must have flowers, always.’ He wanted flowers in every room of his house, especially to decorate the dining room table.”
December 11, 2015
This book is an absolute delight and covers so many of my passions I’m not sure what I was more excited about. There is France, food, gardening, photography, colour and art, all packed into a beautiful hardback book that looks, feels and smells divine.
Aileen begins by setting the scene, explaining how important the kitchen garden at Giverny was to Monet. We all know about his garden, the water lilies and his art that was inspired by the beautiful retreat he created in Normandy, but I’ve now learned that he was also very passionate about growing and eating his own food, just like me. When his art took him away, his letters home always enquired about his kitchen garden and how it was coping without him. There is a detailed description of the fruits, vegetables and herbs that were grown as well as tips for setting up a small potager of your own, all illustrated with lovely photos by Derek Fell and featuring paintings from Monet.
The second part of the book is a recipe section with a varied selection of appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts and cocktails, all inspired by the ingredients of a typical French potager that are clear and easy to follow. I was really in my element here, drooling over typically French and Norman dishes including Camembert Fritters with Apple and Raisin Chutney, Roast Pork with Cherry Sauce, French Green Beans with Walnut, Parsley and Orange Relish and Normandy French Apple Tart. There is even a cocktail called Impression Sunrise in the Garden, inspired Monet’s painting of the same name and containing honey, blood orange juice, mint leaves, crushed ice and sparkling water. I know that this book is going to get a lot of use in my kitchen.
I have learned so much, I’ve got new ideas of what to plant in our potager next year and loads of new recipes to try, plus it has made me even more determined to make a visit to Giverny in the near future.
Many thanks to Aileen for generously mailing me the hardback version of this book to review.
Aileen begins by setting the scene, explaining how important the kitchen garden at Giverny was to Monet. We all know about his garden, the water lilies and his art that was inspired by the beautiful retreat he created in Normandy, but I’ve now learned that he was also very passionate about growing and eating his own food, just like me. When his art took him away, his letters home always enquired about his kitchen garden and how it was coping without him. There is a detailed description of the fruits, vegetables and herbs that were grown as well as tips for setting up a small potager of your own, all illustrated with lovely photos by Derek Fell and featuring paintings from Monet.
The second part of the book is a recipe section with a varied selection of appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts and cocktails, all inspired by the ingredients of a typical French potager that are clear and easy to follow. I was really in my element here, drooling over typically French and Norman dishes including Camembert Fritters with Apple and Raisin Chutney, Roast Pork with Cherry Sauce, French Green Beans with Walnut, Parsley and Orange Relish and Normandy French Apple Tart. There is even a cocktail called Impression Sunrise in the Garden, inspired Monet’s painting of the same name and containing honey, blood orange juice, mint leaves, crushed ice and sparkling water. I know that this book is going to get a lot of use in my kitchen.
I have learned so much, I’ve got new ideas of what to plant in our potager next year and loads of new recipes to try, plus it has made me even more determined to make a visit to Giverny in the near future.
Many thanks to Aileen for generously mailing me the hardback version of this book to review.
July 21, 2017
Beautiful photography brings Monet's vegetable garden to life. His paintings bring his flower gardens to life! The recipes in this cookbook are linked to the kitchen garden at Giverny. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!
August 2, 2015
Monet’s Palate is a unique way to visit Monet’s gardens: not through the flowers and bridges we know so well through his painting, but through his kitchen garden. The book is interspersed with photographs of the garden today – restored to its original form chiefly by Aileen Bordman’s mother over the last thirty years -- and reproductions of Monet’s paintings. Each recipe uses an ingredient found in his garden, and sometimes in the region or in places he had visited, making the book a sort of memoir of his gourmet life. The recipes are up-to-date and innovative in their combinations of flavor and technique, making them easy to follow in an American kitchen, and each one is introduced by the ingredient that inspired it. The format is almost like an art book, and I pick it up from time to time like one would a picture book, flipping through the pages to savor the exquisite images. The food photography adds a contemporary edge that blends well with the garden photography. The extremely reasonable price does not reflect this artistic aspect. One couldn’t find a better gift for a Monet lover who also loves food. I think I’ll order a stock of them just for this purpose.
September 8, 2023
What a delightful cookbook and a perfect way to finish off my ‘Summer of Art’ challenge. It makes me want to study his art and life more and definitely take a trip to see his home and gardens. Some day…..
February 28, 2023
I was delighted to read that Monet loved rhubarb pie and that he had banana ice cream for Christmas.
Most of these recipes are not what I would choose to make, but it is an interesting read.
Most of these recipes are not what I would choose to make, but it is an interesting read.
July 10, 2020
This was a fun fast easy read. Good recipes (I could make them) with information on why they were selected. A fun way to learn about another side of Monet and the connections to his life as an artist.
Content:
Foreword by Meryl Streep
Monet’s Passion for Good Food
Monet’s Home
The Recipes
Appetizers
Main Course
Garden-Inspired Side Dishes
Desserts
Craft Cocktails & Spirits
Content:
Foreword by Meryl Streep
Monet’s Passion for Good Food
Monet’s Home
The Recipes
Appetizers
Main Course
Garden-Inspired Side Dishes
Desserts
Craft Cocktails & Spirits
February 24, 2018
My library bought this on my recommendation, I love to prescreen cookbooks before purchasing, THIS IS A KEEPER! Love it all, garden, food, art, photography, only problem is it's too small. Purchased the minute I finished the book.
December 29, 2019
I loved this book, more for the first part, stories of Monet and his love of food and love of his garden than the actual recipes. I spent an idyllic April day there in 2015 and the photos could have been mine!
December 6, 2020
Love Monet, and this book brings in photographs of his house and garden, and the recipes inspire cooking centered on garden-fresh ingredients.
November 9, 2015
Review
"One look at the kitchen at Giverny, and it is clear Monet's gourmet world of food and friends amid gardens and paints was a rich part of his life shared with those close to him. In this historical taste of the artist's secret world, Aileen Bordman and Derek Fell bring Monet's beloved vegetable garden and bountiful table deliciously back to life for us." - Mireille Guiliano Why French Women Don't Get Fat
"I am so glad Monet's Palate through delicious recipes, exquisite photos and information has brought Claude Monet's remarkable kitchen garden back to life." - Chef Michel Richard.
“Monet’s Palate evokes the very best colors on the garden table.” - Anne Willan Author and Founder of La Varenne Cooking School.
“More than any other type of garden, a plot devoted to vegetables offers maximum pleasure to every gardener. There is no thrill that compares to growing one’s own food: planting, caring, harvesting, and bringing the treasures to the table. Monet’s Palate Cookbook provides all the inspiration anyone needs to go out and dig, plant, absorb the joys that soil offers each of us. Whether a garden novice or seasoned expert, this book offers a wealth of advice and recipes destined to improve all of our lives.” Patricia Wells Journalist, cooking school teacher, and author of more than a dozen books, including “Vegetable Harvest.” - Patricia Wells.
“You need only to step onto the grounds of Giverny and wander through the profusion of flowers, fruits, and vegetables to sense how art and food were profoundly linked for Claude Monet. With vivid photographs and recipes, Monet's Palate Cookbook: The Artist and His Kitchen Garden at Giverny captures the magic and aliveness of his kitchen garden, and immerses readers in Monet’s remarkable world." - Alice Waters.
"One look at the kitchen at Giverny, and it is clear Monet's gourmet world of food and friends amid gardens and paints was a rich part of his life shared with those close to him. In this historical taste of the artist's secret world, Aileen Bordman and Derek Fell bring Monet's beloved vegetable garden and bountiful table deliciously back to life for us." - Mireille Guiliano Why French Women Don't Get Fat
"I am so glad Monet's Palate through delicious recipes, exquisite photos and information has brought Claude Monet's remarkable kitchen garden back to life." - Chef Michel Richard.
“Monet’s Palate evokes the very best colors on the garden table.” - Anne Willan Author and Founder of La Varenne Cooking School.
“More than any other type of garden, a plot devoted to vegetables offers maximum pleasure to every gardener. There is no thrill that compares to growing one’s own food: planting, caring, harvesting, and bringing the treasures to the table. Monet’s Palate Cookbook provides all the inspiration anyone needs to go out and dig, plant, absorb the joys that soil offers each of us. Whether a garden novice or seasoned expert, this book offers a wealth of advice and recipes destined to improve all of our lives.” Patricia Wells Journalist, cooking school teacher, and author of more than a dozen books, including “Vegetable Harvest.” - Patricia Wells.
“You need only to step onto the grounds of Giverny and wander through the profusion of flowers, fruits, and vegetables to sense how art and food were profoundly linked for Claude Monet. With vivid photographs and recipes, Monet's Palate Cookbook: The Artist and His Kitchen Garden at Giverny captures the magic and aliveness of his kitchen garden, and immerses readers in Monet’s remarkable world." - Alice Waters.
September 19, 2018
Rating is more of a 3.5.
I was recently at Monet's home in Giverny, France. It is as wonderful as you've heard! In addition to his water lilies and other flowers, he also had a kitchen garden from which his gardener grew the food that Monet loved. The book has some photos along with recipes all pulled together in a beautiful package. A short essay before each recipe recounts how Monet connects to the food in the recipe.
The recipes are fairly plain and not something I'd consider trying at home.
Still, I spent a lot of time reading it and reminiscing about being at Le Pressoir (Monet's home). It is so lovely!
I was recently at Monet's home in Giverny, France. It is as wonderful as you've heard! In addition to his water lilies and other flowers, he also had a kitchen garden from which his gardener grew the food that Monet loved. The book has some photos along with recipes all pulled together in a beautiful package. A short essay before each recipe recounts how Monet connects to the food in the recipe.
The recipes are fairly plain and not something I'd consider trying at home.
Still, I spent a lot of time reading it and reminiscing about being at Le Pressoir (Monet's home). It is so lovely!
September 9, 2018
I have made a number of recipes from her book and they are wonderful! Beautiful photos and prior to meeting Aileen I had no idea he was also an epicurean!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews